With the Super Bowl coming to Las Vegas for the first time ever this February, there figured to be plenty of interest from musical artists in performing this year’s halftime show. The annual rumors of a possible Taylor Swift performance came and went, and the NFL’s dream of getting the pop icon will continue on for another year.
Still, there are a ton of artists with ties to Vegas through residencies, and the league (and partner Roc Nation) had to decide what direction they wanted to go in for the show. Ultimately they landed Usher, who has a residency in Vegas coming to a close later this year, as the legendary R&B artist will perform a compilation of his biggest hits at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024.
The NFL announced the news by getting Kim Kardashian involved to film a video where she hops on the other line of a phone call from an Usher music video.
USHER. LAS VEGAS. APPLE MUSIC HALFTIME SHOW. #SBLVIII
As always there are debates about who should’ve been the selection and fan theories that ended up being incorrect, but Usher is hard to argue against as he has a deep history of hits to dig into, is an incredible live performer, and can absolutely carry a solo halftime performance. He also just so happens to have his next album, “Coming Home” releasing on…February 11, 2024.
Usher has officially been named the halftime performer of the 2024 Super Bowl. ESPN’s NFL Insider Adam Schefter hit Twitter and revealed Usher as the performer, using a video that paired the “Confessions Pt. II” video with Kim Kardashian inserts. The Apple Music halftime show will be in Las Vegas, and the King of Vegas is about to send it up.
“It’s an honor of a lifetime to finally check a Super Bowl performance off my bucket list,” Usher said. “I can’t wait to bring the world a show unlike anything else they’ve seen from me before. Thank you to the fans and everyone who made this opportunity happen. I’ll see you real soon.”
If you plan to see Usher before his residency closes in Las Vegas, you have until December. The R&B legend hit Instagram and revealed the final days of his extended stay at the Park MGM in Las Vegas will begin on Nov. 3 and wrap on Dec. 2.
“By popular demand I’ve just added the Final Shows of My Way The Vegas Residency this November & December at Dolby Live at Park MGM! Tickets on sale Friday, August 25 at 10 AM PT.,” Usher wrote.
Usher has dropped a new single from his highly anticipated ninth album. The song “Boyfriend” is accompanied by a captivating video featuring Emmy Award-winning entertainer Keke Palmer. This release follows Usher’s recent hit “Good Good,” featuring 21 Savage and Summer Walker, which rocketed to the top of Billboard’s R&B Digital Song Sales Chart upon debut.
The music video for “Boyfriend” made its stunning debut on the iconic Paramount Times Square Billboards, with support from MTV Live, MTVU, MTV Biggest Pop, BET Soul, and BET Jams, ensuring a grand reception among fans.
Presented through mega, the music collective founded by Usher and L.A. Reid in collaboration with gamma, a visionary multimedia platform led by CEO Larry Jackson and President Ike Youssef, “Boyfriend” marks a promising new direction for Usher. The mega-gamma partnership is set to distribute exclusively and market Usher’s music, promising an exciting musical journey for fans worldwide.
As Libra season arrives, many notable singers prepare to celebrate their birthdays. A high number of high profile celebrities were born between September 23 and October 22. One of the three Air signs, Libra is the seventh out of the 12 signs of the zodiac. Libras are often seen as the peacemakers of the zodiac, striving for harmony and balance in all aspects of life. This is a predominant trait in musicians, as making music typically requires coordination. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that a lot of singers fall under the Libra star sign.
From the iconic Ray Charles, to the incomparable Toni Braxton, there’s no shortage of Libra singers to celebrate. Their music is often carried by their signature voices, and with the amount of love songs under their belts, perhaps it’s no stretch to attribute the sign to love itself. Additionally, Libras are known for possessing a natural charm and charisma that draws people towards them. Furthermore, they generally have excellent diplomatic skills as well. With their extroverted nature, and strong appreciation for beauty, Libras make amazing artists. most of whom create timeless music.
T-Pain (September 30)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 17: T-Pain performs on stage during the Supafest Music Festival at Melbourne Showgrounds on April 17, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)
T-Pain is a pioneering artist known for his distinctive sound. A man of many talents, he is a rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born on September 30, 1984, and developed an interest in music at a young age. This Libra is celebrated for popularizing the use of Auto-Tune, which many singers later adopted creatively. True to his star sign, T-Pain has an appreciation for aesthetics in his music. He also has a sociable and charming personality, and is loved by most, often receiving his flowers on social media.
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – NOVEMBER 05: Ne-Yo performs at Royal Albert Hall on November 5, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage)
Ne-Yo is a well-known singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor who was born on October 18, 1979. When this Libra isn’t crooning some timeless love songs, he’s writing them for other singers. Ne-Yo has a distinct silky voice that’s a perfect match for R&B, and is recognized in the scene for his impeccable songwriting skills. He often explores themes of love, relationships, and emotional balance in his music. Furthemore, he conveys these messages effectively during live performances, where his charismatic stage presence shines. Overall, he is a critically acclaimed, commercially successful, and highly respected R&B star.
Toni Braxton (October 6)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 24: Toni Braxton performs onstage during the 2019 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for dcp)
Toni Braxton is a highly influential artist known for her soulful voice, iconic songs, and contributions to R&B’s success in the 90s. Braxton was born on October 7, 1967, and is one of the best-selling female artists of all time. Her songs “Un-Break My Heart,” “Breathe Again,” and “ He Wasn’t Man Enough,” among other hits contributed in catapulting her to international stardom. In 2005, she released the Gold-certified album, Libra, acknowledging and paying homage to her star sign. The artist exudes a sophisticated charm that has pulled audiences to her from all over the world. She continues to be a respected figure in the world of music, as well as entertainment as a whole.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 24: Co-Owner of SelvaRey Rum Bruno Mars attends the SelvaRey Pina Colada Party Hosted by Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak at The Hollywood Roosevelt on July 24, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for SelvaRey)
Bruno Mars was born on October 8, 1985, into a family of musicians. Evidently, he began performing at a young age in Hawaii, where he grew up. Mars is one of the most successful and acclaimed Libra singers in the music industry. He is known for his incredible vocal range and versatility in music, blending various genres together. He gained widespread recognition in 2010 after releasing his debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans which included chart-topping hits like “Just the Way You Are,” and “Grenade.” Bruno Mars’ extraordinary talent has been showcased in several more ways in the years since. As a result of this, he has grown to become a revered artist in the R&B scene.
Ashanti (October 13)
PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS – JULY 16: Ashanti preforms at Atlantis Paradise Island Music Making Waves concert on July 16, 2022 in Paradise Island, Bahamas. (Photo by Rachel Murray/Getty Images for Atlantis Paradise Island)
Ashanti is a multi-talented artist known for her light and captivating voice, and her songwriting abilities. She was born on October 13, 1980, and had her breakthrough in the music industry in 2002. Ashanti has been featured on some of the biggest Hip Hop collabs since her breakthrough year. She had appearances on the chart-topping songs “What’s Love?” by Fat Joe, and “Always on Time” by Ja Rule. The year also saw the release of her eponymous debut studio album, which garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. Ashanti has since branched out into film and television, but still remains one of the most popular Libra singers around.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 16: Usher performs onstage at the Songwriters Hall of Fame 51st Annual Induction and Awards Gala at Marriott Marquis on June 16, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall of Fame )
Usher is a highly acclaimed singer, songwriter, actor, and dancer. He is undeniably one of the most recognizable figures in contemporary music history. Firmly seated in the R&B hall of fame, Usher is rightly regarded as a giant in the genre. He was born on October 14, 1978, and has dominated the R&B scene since the late ‘90s after the release of his iconic studio album, My Way(1997). Usher is known for his unmistakable smooth tenor voice, and his versatility in R&B, pop, and Hip Hop genres. He has multiple chart-topping singles, and has had a highly successful career spanning decades. The multitalented Libra has also inspired a new generation of singers and dancers after him, becoming an incomparable icon in the process.
Keyshia Cole (October 15)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 06: Keyshia Cole performs during R&B Super Jam Ladies Night at Barclays Center on May 06, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)
Keyshia Cole was born on October 15, 1981, and had an early involvement with music. Her first experience with professional music was recording with MC Hammer at the age of 12. Cole eventually had her big break in 2005, with the release of her Platinum-certified debut album, The Way It Is. She has released six more albums since, which have contributed to cementing her as a prominent voice in the R&B community. Known for her powerful and emotive vocal delivery, this Libra has earned her place among respected R&B singers.
Global superstar and multi-Latin GRAMMY winner J Balvin has joined forces with USHER and DJ Khaled to unleash their high-energy dance track, “DIENTES,” along with an accompanying music video. This collaboration is a fusion of three distinct and incredibly successful artists, promising an unforgettable and timeless hit that’s poised to become the next global anthem.
“DIENTES” incorporates an iconic interpolation of USHER’s 2004 record-breaking hit, “Yeah!,” adding a sizzling Latin twist, uniquely crafted by J Balvin. The result is a track set to ignite dance floors worldwide.
The music video is an explosively captivating journey that blends nostalgia with lively entertainment. Vibrant city streets and a dynamic dance floor are colorful backdrops, pulsating in rhythm with J Balvin’s exhilarating beats, USHER’s smooth R&B, and DJ Khaled’s signature sound. This carefully curated visual experience pays homage to the past while propelling “DIENTES” into the future as an unforgettable musical masterpiece.
Produced by a powerhouse team, including Mura Masa, Fred Ball, DJ Luian, Mambo Kingz, Tainy, and Michael Brun, “DIENTES” showcases J Balvin’s ability to reinvent music while staying true to his Latino roots.
J Balvin is closing out the summer with a banger, and this time, he’s reimagining a classic. On his new single, “Dientes,” Balvin joins forces with DJ Khaled and Usher to add a fresh Latin spin to Usher’s 2004 hit single, “Yeah.”
The song features almost the same instrumental as “Yeah,” but with a sped-up bass loop, and the addition of new drums, giving the song a more thrilling, rushing vibe.
On the song, Balvin finds himself hypnotized by the vibrance of a lady he meets.
“You and I have something pending / You arrived and changed the vibe / Wveryone looks at you / The dark disco, and you shine / You’re in yours and I’m in mine,” raps Balvin.
The addicting chorus, “Enséñame los dientes,” which means, “show me your teeth,” is sure to have fans smiling.
Additionally, Usher drops a new verse of his own, giving this collaboration — as well as his own song — fresh new flair.
In the accompanying video, Balvin, Usher, and Khaled are seen dancing on a colorful floor, jamming out with fans, juxtaposed with scenes of pure Latinx joy in the streets. A throwback magazine cover featuring Usher displays just how well he and his music have aged.
Usher makes it clear that age is just a number, and at 44-years-old, he’s smoother than ever. The Grammy-Award-winning singer has just dropped off the music video for one of his latest tracks, “Good Good.” Usher enlisted the talents of fellow Atlanta musicians 21 Savage and Summer Walker to assist. Using the city as his backdrop displays his sensual side and proves he can still bust a move. At one point, the singer is joined by two other versions of himself to demonstrate his vocal range as if he were in a trio. Prior to this, Usher released his music video for another single, “Boyfriend.”
The video caused a stir of controversy online partly due to Keke Palmer’s appearance. A few weeks back, the Nope actress found herself in hot water after a clip surfaced online of her attending Usher’s residency show in Las Vegas. In it, she is spotted getting pretty cozy with the singer and donning a slinky, sheer dress. After it made its rounds on social media, Darius Jackson, Palmer’s ex-boyfriend and child’s father, publicly criticized her. Many agreed that the actress “is a mother” and shouldn’t act that way. However, some defended Palmer, criticizing Jackson for taking the matter to social media.
Usher’s Track Has Gotten Mixed Reviews From Some People
Upon its release, “Good Good” has gotten mixed reviews from some people. While Usher’s vocal abilities always shine through, some thought he might have been trying too hard to stay relevant. Recently, on an episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, the rapper-turned-podcast savant blasted the song. “This Usher, Summer Walker, and 21 Savage record is my least favorite out of the Usher records that have been released.” He even pondered if it was created by AI.
However, some seem to be quite enjoying the tune. “Imagine debuting in 1994 and still being able to put out timeless R&B records. A R&B LEGEND!” one person wrote under the video’s comment section. “Usher’s career is maturing like fine wine. For someone who first boomed in the 90s and still killing it like this is just mind blowing… A living legend,” another fan wrote.
It’s all “Good Good” in the hood in Usher‘s latest video, which finds him teaming up with fellow ATLiens 21 Savage and Summer Walker for a nostalgic ballad about remaining friends after a relationship ends. “Usually my exes turn to enemies,” Usher croons in his verse, “But this is different / ‘Cause we don’ got closer now that you ain’t with me.” Summer, meanwhile, wishes her ex “good sex and good sleep,” while 21 jokes that he’ll still “have you grabbing them sheets” while offering to “help pay for the wigs and I help with the lease.”
The video itself opens with the three artists standing on a bridge overlooking the highway with the city’s downtown skyline as a backdrop. Usher, dressed in a classic Atlanta fit — a baggy sweatsuit, complete with a wave cap, chains, and gold teeth — does his choreo solo while the scene around him changes from day to night and back (he also dances in a waistcoat, which is some wild styling, even for him). Walker lounges in a well-appointed hotel room in her scenes, bedecked in a bathrobe (with matching slippers!) and a headwrap. For his part, 21 Savage eats solo at a restaurant with a mirror image of himself, each side chowing down on a seafood meal representing his rags-to-riches status.
Keke Palmer is moving on too! After her boyfriend stated he is moving past their relationship, Keke Palmer hit the studio to preview new music. The Shade Room captured a preview of what’s in Keke’s music bag, and DaniLeigh joined her.
It’s a wrap for Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson‘s relationship. With Palmer’s appearance in Usher’s “Boyfriend” video moving across the timeline, a source of Jackson’s relayed to PEOPLE that the actor is moving on.
“He’s moved on,” the insider said. The insider also notes Jackson is looking to focus on his acting career and will continue to be a good father, “You don’t have to be in the same household to be good parents.”
The news comes as the “Boyfriend” video is trending online. Earlier this summer, Jackson spoke against a viral moment showing Palmer enjoying Usher’s residency. Jackson took offense to the moment and even blasted Palmer for her dress.
Our R&B Season playlist highlights no shortage of male vocalists who are known specifically for making the ladies swoon. Since he began his Las Vegas Residency, however, Usher is notably among the best at taking on his role as a heartthrob. Over the past few months, we’ve seen him serenading the likes of Kim Kardashian, Kimora Lee Simmons, Saweetie, and Keke Palmer. It was the latter’s trip to Sin City that finally landed the Southern singer the label of “domestic terrorist” as his flirtatious antics caused a rift between the True Jackson VP actress and her baby daddy, Darius Jackson. At this time, the status of Palmer’s relationship remains unknown. However, she did team up with Usher earlier this week for his “Boyfriend” music video, causing many to speculate that she’s single again.
Elsewhere on today’s update comes a collab from Ciara’s CiCi EP – “Forever” with Lil Baby. The short and sweet project came along with big news from the Atlanta-based entertainer – she and Russell Wilson are expecting their third child together. Snoh Aalegra continued her hot streak of singles with “Wait A Little Longer,” and 333 hitmaker Tinashe continues to impress us with her work as well. The latter shared “Needs,” following last month’s “Talk To Me Nice.”
Lil Wayne doesn’t often appear on R&B Season, but we would be remiss not to put you on to his latest joint effort. The Young Money boss joined forces with Jon Batiste recently on “Uneasy,” a soulful song that’s got social media talking. To close out today’s female-forward round-up we suggest you stream Jamila Woods’ beautiful “Boomerang” when you have a moment during your Self Care Sunday activities.
Find all of this weekend’s new R&B Season-worthy arrivals exclusively on our Spotify playlist above. Are there any songs you think we might’ve missed? Let us know in the comments, and find more HNHH release recommendations on our Fire Emoji playlist at the link below.
@Usher @kimkardashian @applemusic @rocnation pic.twitter.com/mRshrB0LyE
